5 best beaches of Koh Phangan

Less than 20 years ago Koh Phangan was totally unknown to the big flow of the tourists, There was no electricity on the island and the only inhabitants were the hippies. They lived their relaxed life and had parties on the beaches. After 20 years Koh Phangan developed the infrastructure with good hotels and bars. But its popularity is gained by the same parties on the same beaches. Less wild though.

Koh Phangan, in my opinion, has the cleanest and most inhabitant beaches in Thailand. Therefore it is very hard to choose the best beach when each of them has its own atmosphere and dedication.

1. Sunrise beach

This is my favorite beach in Koh Phangan because of the waves. I literally spent hours jumping in the water like a little kid. Also, the sunrise beach is very picturesque and the most known among the tourists as every month exactly here the popular Fool Moon Party takes place. Attention. The hotels’ prices vary a lot according to the dates of the party. Also, it is very loud during the night. The beach is called “sunrise” every morning after the party you can witness the marvelous sunrise.

2. Leela beach

It’s situated just 10 minutes walking from the Sunrise beach but feels like another part of the world. The beach is quite tiny and has 2 LUX hotels with beach bars with a very nice sunset view. By the way, check my article 6 places to meet the sunset on Koh Phangan.

3. Malibu beach

This is a very white sand beach. It is the most popular beach among the Koh Phangan’ tourists, so there are lots of them. However, you need to visit the Malibu beach as it doesn’t look like any other beaches of Koh Phangan.

4. Mae Haad beach

Highly recommended to visit. The Mae Haad beach is very picturesque as there is a view to the neighborhood island Koh Ma. During the low tides, the water goes away and opens the sand path to the island. You walk knee-deep in water.

5. Bottle beach

This beach is the hardest to reach on the island. The road to the bottle beach is very bumpy and crosses 2 rivers. Or you can also take a boat from the neighborhood beach. However, this adventurous part already makes the beach unique.

How to get to Koh Phangan?

As there is no airport on the island, you have to combine the ferry with the bus/train or other kinds of transport. Check the timetable of all transport in Asia and combine your route on the portal 12.go.Asia. We booked our transfer from Surathani airport to Koh Phangan (bus + ferry). It was really comfortable as they met us just at the airport entrance and it cost 500 bats per person.

By the way, I have a special article “How to get to Koh Phangan“. Have you checked it yet?